Author/illustrator, child development specialist/educator, Diane provides insight into the world of children's literature through several different perspectives. The goal is to provide high quality literature for children, parents and teachers.

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April 7, 2014

John Petit-Senn

2014 Crystal Kite Award

THE
KITE THAT BRIDGED TWO NATIONSby award winning author, Alexis O'Neill stood out
in a pile of books from my recent grab and go, library drive by. The title and
cover illustration caught my attention and carried me back to growing up on
Lake Erie and summer travels across the Niagara River into Canada.

Whenever wind lifted off the river
and sent the trees to dancing. I'd itch to fly a kite.

THE
KITE THAT BRIDGED TWO NATIONS is a historical fiction picture book based on
actual events and a courageous boy who had an itch to fly a kite. Alexis O'Neill
tells this story with words that flow off the page and tongue. The energy and
shear power produced by the Niagara River needs text and illustrations that
capture the essence of its' force. The internal rhythm of the O'Neill's text
placed with the sensory driven pictures of award winning illustrator, Terry
Widener, capture this dramatic essence at its' core.

Homan builds his kite, Union.

THE
KITE THAT BRIDGED TWO NATIONS transports the reader to a place and time when
life was simple. The story takes place in 1848 when there was no bridge between Canada and the United States. A young Irish emigrant, Holman J. Walsh steps up to the challenge of a contest to flying a kite from one nation to another and then anchoring the string. The string marked the beginning of the building of a suspension bridge between the two nations. Holman's passion for building and flying kites is brought to life through the electricity between
O'Neill's and Widener's work. It delivers a potent story of Holman’s courage and
perseverance that brings his dream to fruition.

This
picture book for older readers is a five apple book, cream of the crop.

A story teeming with vibrant language and beautiful illustrations would be a
great add to any home, classroom, or local library.The back matter and educators guide provide additional
information and websites for teaching as well as directly linking to the Common
Core Standards for Literacy.

A
KITE THAT BRIDGED TWO NATIONS is published by Calkins Creek Books, imprint of
Boyds Mills Press and Highlights. www.calkinscreekbooks.com

THE
KITE THAT BRIDGED TWO NATIONS is a great read for the month April, National
Kite Month which is celebrated from March 29th – May 4th.You can find more information at National Kite Month..

Award Winning Author, Alexis O'Neill

Alexis teaches writing for the
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She is a Regional Advisor for the Society of
Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and a founding member of the
Children's Authors Network (CAN!). A former elementary school teacher, Alexis
holds a B.S. from Skidmore College and an M.S. in Instructional Technology and
Ph.D. in Teacher Education from Syracuse University.